(1962 Shelby Corba)
Academy Award-winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale are previewed to star in Hollywood’s highly anticipated FORD v FERRARI. Premiering 15th November 2019, the film reiterates the remarkable and unbelievable biographical story of American car designer, Carroll Shelby and British racer, Ken Miles.
(Ferrari 1952 212/225 Barchetta)
For those who have yet to see the trailer, the film is set in 1966 during the 24hour Le Mans – the world’s oldest and most prestigious, annual active sports car endurance race. Also known as the “Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency”, the plot follows an indefatigable team of American engineers and designers, deployed by Henry Ford II and Lee Lacocca. With a mission to build a race car powerful enough to end Ferrari’s everlasting championship reign, the legendary Ford GT40 was born.
(Ferrari 250 P Racer)
FORD v FERRARI is sportscar history’s toughest rivalry. Joining the scene in the early 1960s, Ford barely accumulated six years of race experience while Ferrari had a staggering 330 win-streak, already under its belt. Ferrari’s P series alone, had secured the brand a record-breaking six wins by the end of 1963 – the most wins ever achieved by an auto manufacturer at the time.
(Ferrari 1957 625/250)
To boost the competitive spirit, Ferrari was known for pitting its drivers against each other using psychological tactics – which guaranteed success often with detrimental effects, occasionally resulting in death. Carroll Shelby’s career of driving for Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Maserati and Ferrari, ended following the death of good friend, Luigi Musso. With a personal vendetta against Ferrari, Ford’s road to success was extremely harrowing and quite inspirational.
(Ford 1967 GT40 Mark III)
In the days leading up to the film’s release, Los Angeles museum has announced an exhibition displaying the five essential cars which contributed to Ford’s eventual success. The cars on display include, the 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Barchetta which inspired the aesthetic of Ford’s 1955 Thunderbird and 1967 GT40 Mark III. Before ever competing in a race, Ford considered purchasing Ferrari, to boost his own brand image whilst helping a financially struggling organization. The deal worth $16 million, was thrown out when the piqued Enzo Ferrari noticed Ford’s intentions to scrump his racing and automotive division in the fine print – marking the pivotal start of their rivalry.
(Caroll Shelby and the Ford GT40 Mark II)
Ford’s GT40 was so revolutionary, in the final 24hour race of the season, Ford served Ferrari a humiliating defeat, finishing the race in first, second and third place – making history as the first American team to win at Le Mans.
(Ferrari 250 GT SWB SEFAC)
The museum also features, the 1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testa Rossa, 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB SEFAC and 1962 Shelby Cobra – all five are part of Petersen Founding Chairman, Bruce Meyer’s private collection of Winning Numbers for famous road and race cars. The Los Angeles museum hopes the exhibition can be a momentous learning experience for both car, film and history lovers.
The post FORD v FERRARI in The Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency appeared first on LUXUO.